Beneficial effect of the oxygen free radical scavenger amifostine (WR-2721) on spinal cord ischemia/reperfusion injury in rabbits

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Paraplegia is the most devastating complication of thoracic or thoraco-abdominal aortic surgery. During these operations, an ischemia-reperfusion process is inevitable and the produced radical oxygen species cause severe oxidative stress for the spinal cord. In this study we examined the influence of Amifostine, a triphosphate free oxygen scavenger, on oxidative stress of spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion in rabbits.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Eighteen male, New Zealand white rabbits were anesthetized and spinal cord ischemia was induced by temporary occlusion of the descending thoracic aorta by a coronary artery balloon catheter, advanced through the femoral artery. The animals were randomly divided in 3 groups. Group I functioned as control. In group II the descending aorta was occluded for 30 minutes and then reperfused for 75 min. In group III, 500 mg Amifostine was infused into the distal aorta during the second half-time of ischemia period. At the end of reperfusion all animals were sacrificed and spinal cord specimens were examined for superoxide radicals by an ultra sensitive fluorescent assay.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Superoxide radical levels ranged, in group I between 1.52 and 1.76 (1.64 ± 0.10), in group II between 1.96 and 2.50 (2.10 ± 0.23), and in group III (amifostine) between 1.21 and 1.60 (1.40 ± 0.19) (p = 0.00), showing a decrease of 43% in the Group of Amifostine. A lipid peroxidation marker measurement ranged, in group I between 0.278 and 0.305 (0.296 ± 0.013), in group II between 0.427 and 0.497 (0.463 ± 0.025), and in group III (amifostine) between 0.343 and 0.357 (0.350 ± 0.007) (p < 0.00), showing a decrease of 38% after Amifostine administration.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>By direct and indirect methods of measuring the oxidative stress of spinal cord after ischemia/reperfusion, it is suggested that intra-aortic Amifostine infusion during spinal cord ischemia phase, significantly attenuated the spinal cord oxidative injury in rabbits.</p

Examining Rates of Engagement over Time with Court-Ordered Men in a Domestic Abuse Treatment Program

Limited research exists on the engagement process in domestic abuse treatment. This exploratory study of a large urban domestic abuse program (N = 81) examined the engagement of men entering group treatment using the Group Engagement Measure (GEM-27) over two time points. The GEM-27 pointed to significant change in engagement scores reported by facilitators between pre- and posttest, despite the involuntary nature of the treatment process. The subscore Means for the category “working on own problem” at time one was significantly higher for completers compared to dropouts. Implications for research and practice are discussed

Effectiveness of Psychodynamic Psychotherapy With Older Adults: A Longitudinal Study

Using a longitudinal, time-series design, this effectiveness study analyzed archival data collected as a routine part of clinical services and program evaluation at a community mental health clinic utilizing psychodynamic therapy with older adult clients (N = 106) in its Seniors Program. An empirical measure, the Outcome Questionnaire 45.2, was used to track progress and to examine the nature of change over time at 3-month intervals across 12 time points. The effect size was large (ES = .8) and participants showed little deterioration. Findings suggest that older clients can and do benefit from psychodynamic treatment offered in this format